PARENTING STYLES AS CORRELATE OF DRUG USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN ONITSHA URBAN OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was a descriptive survey of parenting styles as it correlates the use of drug among adolescents in Onitsha urban of Anambra State, Nigeria. It has a population of 36,535 students from 22 public secondary schools in Onitsha urban. Purposive sampling was used to draw a sample size of 500 students from 22 secondary school in Onitsha urban of Anambra State. Five
research questions were formulated and addressed. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. The questionnaire instrument was face validated by three veteran researchers in health and physical education department. It was also pilot-tested for reliability using test-retest technique. Calculation of person product moment co-efficient of reliability (r)
gave a value of 0.88 for which the researcher adopted the instrument as reliable. Mean and standard deviation with decision point of 2.50 was taken. The result of the study revealed that adolescents whose parents use drugs are more likely to abuse drugs. Authoritative parenting enforces limits and exerts appropriate control on their adolescents which makes them less likely
to engage in drug use. The extent and nature of parents’ contact, presence and interest in the adolescent’s life reduces their tendency of drug use. Adolescents of parents with nonauthoritative parenting styles have greater chance of making use of drugs. Conclusion of the research is that all possible factors investigated are of parenting styles as correlated of drug use among adolescents in Onitsha Urban Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.